There is no 'best way to go' when it comes to just about anything in audio. Many choose to go built in, whether just with a phono stage in a preamp, or an integrated amp that has a preamp in an amp, because it is more simple and economical.
There are many arguments for going in either direction, but it pretty much boils down to whether you want more flexibility and are happy to pay for it, or whether you want more bang for the buck. It will be a different choice for everyone. What is the right choice for another, will not necessarily be the right choice for you.
There are many arguments for going in either direction, but it pretty much boils down to whether you want more flexibility and are happy to pay for it, or whether you want more bang for the buck. It will be a different choice for everyone. What is the right choice for another, will not necessarily be the right choice for you.